Brooklyn’s champions for the borough’s small and large nonprofits, Brooklyn Org (BKO), have announced the launch of Brooklyn Org Microgrants, a new funding stream designed to strengthen smaller Brooklyn-based nonprofits.
The program aims to fill the funding gap for nonprofit neighborhood groups that might not otherwise qualify for larger grant opportunities, supporting BKO’s mission to back organizations founded by and serving communities that have been historically underserved.
The microgrants complement BKO’s existing Donor Advised Fund grantmaking and Strategic Grants program, which provides multi-year general operating support to organizations with budgets exceeding $100,000 that work to advance racial justice in the borough.
Since its founding in 2009, BKO has provided more than $130 million to nonprofits, with more than $21.1 million allocated to nonprofits in 2024 alone.
Brooklyn Org Microgrants is available to nonprofits with an annual budget under $100,000, which will receive up to $10,000. Priority is given to organizations that are deeply embedded in their neighborhoods, engage community members as volunteers and leaders, and focus on racial and social justice.
BKO will accept applications during two review periods each year: June 1 through Nov. 30, with funding announcements in February, and Dec. 1 through May 31, with funding announcements in September.
To be eligible, applicants must be Brooklyn-based or actively working in Brooklyn, hold 501(c)(3) status or operate under a fiscal sponsor, and have at least one year of programming experience. Organizations may submit only one application per review period and are eligible for one grant per year.
The program does not fund individuals, capital campaigns or projects of larger organizations with budgets exceeding $100,000.
Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, president and CEO of BKO, emphasized that the most innovative community solutions often come from the smallest organizations and neighborhood groups that are immersed in their communities and know firsthand what their neighborhoods need.
“Our microgrants program recognizes that you don’t need a massive budget to make a massive impact,” she said. “These grants will help grassroots organizations build their capacity while staying true to their community roots.”
Community organizations interested in applying can access the application at grantinterface.com/sl/PnKUdt.
